Employers are obliged to let staff go on jury service, unless they can find an accepted reason for them to be excused, and receive no compensation. Should we be trying to introduce a similar provision to let people become trustees of charities? Lots of people can't get time off in the working day so have to hold charity meetings in the evening but if there were a statutory right to have, say, one day each month for charity work, whether as trustee or otherwise, would it work?
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This would be another cost burden on businesses. However there may be a business case for a company to release staff for service as a trustee - such as the personal development which the individual will enjoy or because the business will be seen to be a good employer or because it will enhance its reputation in the community. A number of businesses do recognise this but there is a long way to go before businesses generally are convinced!
The best method to achieve this is to write to the companies HR Director and ask them to implement a policy to encourage this.
Why would an employer want to do this without legislation?
Many employers have to compete to fill vacancies and are often looking at ways to provide value added benefits to employees (and it is usually the HR director that is key to this role).
Companies can receive a tax relief for seconding employees!
"Businesses who second employees to work for a charity on a temporary basis can deduct the costs incurred in connection with the employments, including salary, in calculating taxable profits.
For details (And an update), please contact the Inland revenue for further information"
What a fantastic world that this would be if we could get employers to do this....
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Christopher Raven
Acting Chairperson